Police launch Christmas crime crackdown

Dec 1 2011 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

POLICE are launching a Christmas campaign to crackdown on festive crime throughout the West Lothian area.

The campaign, which started yesterday will run until January 4 and will target various crimes which are commonly reported over the period aiming to ensure communities stay safe throughout the festive season.

Christmas and New Year is generally a busy time for police with an increase in alcohol-related incidents being reported.

To address the issue, a number of policing operations will be carried out across West Lothian.

High-visibility patrols will monitor pubs, clubs and other licensed premises across the county throughout and beyond the campaign.

And officers will be on the look out for anyone causing a disturbance within these venues and will carry out ID checks on anyone who appears to be under the age of 25.

Police will also be stepping up patrols in shopping centres and around other business premises to offer crime prevention advice and deter thieves.

Local policing teams will work with stores and other partner agencies over the Christmas and New Year period on various operations to tackle shoplifting and anyone found to be involved will face prosecution.

And drink drivers will also be targeted, as statistics have shown that the number of motorists arrested for drink or drug-driving offences over the festive season also increases.

Traffic cops will be on patrol to monitor West Lothian’s roads to identify anyone driving while under the influence.

Inspector Bob Paris said officers will be working hard to ensure county people have a safe and enjoyable time over the holidays.

He said: “For the vast majority of us, the festive season is a chance to celebrate with our friends and family, either within the home or in the various establishments across West Lothian.

“Lothian and Borders Police are committed to ensuring that our communities are able to enjoy Christmas and New Year in a safe environment and we will be carrying out various policing operations as part of this initiative.”